Member Article

Locals love new Tyneside homes

A new Tyneside housing development, which critics tried to halt, is already proving popular with local buyers.

Within just a few days of the show home opening at Trilogy I, off Saltwell Road in Gateshead, nine people reserved a plot – six of them living within two miles of the development.

Among them are Colin Twist and his wife Michelle, from Low Fell. Colin said: “We have been renting for a few years but wanted to get back onto the property ladder in an area close to work and family.

“These homes provide great value in terms of space and a level of specification we’ve not seen matched by any other builder in the area. They are also unique to the development. You won’t see homes like this anywhere else, which added to the attraction for us. We quickly reserved our plot and are looking forward to moving into our new home early next year.”

Colin, 36, a sales leader and Michelle, 37, who works in HR, also took advantage of the Help to Buy initiative when securing their home. This is a government sponsored initiative which has helped thousands of first and second time buyers to move. It can provide house purchasers with a fee free equity loan for up to 20% of the property price. No interested is payable on this loan for up to five years. Full terms and conditions are available on request.

Trilogy I is being constructed by Gateshead Regeneration Partnership (GRP), a unique joint venture involving Gateshead Council , Galliford Try and Home Group. The award winning partnership aims to build 2,400 new homes on 19 sites, right across Gateshead by 2030.

When plans were first revealed, attempts were made to legally block the demolition of old Tyneside flats which had to go to make way for the new homes. There were also claims that they would not be affordable to local people.

However the objections were overruled and the scheme – the partnership’s third to date – commenced in January. The other two are at Avon Street in Deckham and The Sycamores in Birtley. The branding on the sites is Linden Homes, Galliford Try’s award-winning house building division.

Trilogy I comprises 99 three and four bedroomed family homes, which surpass all national standards for space and energy efficiency. There are 76 for sale and 5 for shared ownership with a further 18 available for affordable rent. Two further adjacent phases will provide more homes in the area.

Councillor Liz Twist, Gateshead Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing said: “These new properties are creating the choice and variety of homes that this area so desperately needs and they definitely have got the wow factor. They’re bright and spacious with private gardens and a community space to develop a close neighbourhood. Local people are welcoming the opportunity to stay in their local area with a range of options available to them.

Stephen McCoy, Managing Director with Galliford Try Partnerships North, added: “The partnership’s brief was to raise the bar in terms of the housing offer and we were always confident that the size, specification and style of these homes would impress.”

Brian Ham, Home Group Executive Director of Enterprise and Development, said: “This regeneration scheme is transforming the quality of housing across Gateshead for those who want to buy or rent. Home Group has been providing homes for people on Tyneside for more than 75 years and we’re delighted to offer some of these homes to local people for affordable rent.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .